Thousands of additional donations needed to replenish blood supply

Gift cards available for those who give during national shortage

Since announcing a national blood and platelet shortage a month ago, thousands of donors across the country have rolled up a sleeve to help rebuild the American Red Cross blood and platelet supply. As that generosity continues, the Red Cross is working around-the-clock to ensure patients have access to lifesaving transfusions and must collect 10,000 additional blood and platelet donations – over and above expectations – each week over the next month to sufficiently meet hospital needs. Donors of all blood types are urged to book a time to give now, especially those with type O blood or those giving platelets.

To make an appointment, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

To encourage more blood and platelet donations, the Red Cross is offering new incentives to donors over the next month. All who come to give Oct. 21-Nov. 9 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a restaurant merchant of their choice to enjoy lunch on the Red Cross. They’ll also be automatically entered to win a $5,000 gift card. There will be three winners – one chosen at random each week. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Lunch.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines don’t affect donor eligibility As cold and flu season quickly approaches, the Red Cross is reminding donors that they can still give blood or platelets after receiving a flu vaccine, so long as they are feeling healthy and well on the day of their donation. Likewise, there is no deferral or wait time for those receiving the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Upcoming local drives

-- Granton, Oct. 27, 12 -5 p.m., Granton Community Center, 315 Maple St.

-- Neillsville, Oct. 30, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., American Legion Post 73, 6 Boon Boulevard -- Thorp, Oct. 31, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Thorp Fire and Ambulance District Station, 101 S. Wilson St.